What is vibrato in music performance?

Vibrato in music performance refers to a regular and slight variation in pitch that adds expressiveness to a note. Musicians create vibrato by oscillating the pitch of a sustained note, which gives the sound a richer and more emotional quality. This technique is commonly used in vocal performances, as well as on string instruments, wind instruments, and in many other contexts.

The distinction of vibrato from other musical techniques is clear; it focuses on pitch variation rather than changes in volume, which would be indicated by an increase in loudness or intensity. Additionally, it differs from silence between notes, which would denote a pause rather than a continuous sound. Similarly, strumming techniques are more associated with rhythm and texture rather than pitch manipulation. Thus, the essence of vibrato lies in its regular change of pitch, which enhances the musical expression, making it the best choice among the given options.